FUNDECOR, a non-governmental outfit overseeing the sustainable development and management of Costa Rica’s rainforests since 1989, is looking to occupy a new signature headquarters in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.
The concept for the 720 sqm facility is from the Mexico-based firm PLUG Architecture. Nested in a slanted wooden patch with minimal environmental impact, the building is devised as a ‘breathing lab’: a centre where experts can engage local communities in the preservation of their national resources.
The four-sided structure raised on stilts is an attempt to use wood as a model of vernacular innovation. Each of the 30-m long sides supports different functional requirements.
The simple construction means are based on local practices which ensure they’re easily implemented within a very low budget. All the wood is certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), in line with national forestry management.
The centre takes full advantage of being on a hillside terrain. It provides a combination of passive and active systems for its internal climate comfort.
Other sustainable measures include a bathroom flush system and sanitary waste which is linked to biodigesters that provide fertiliser for use in the forests.
A unique feature of the project is its courtyard, which holds a grove of trees that symbolise FUNDECOR’s mission of protecting forest ecosystems.
For the Arboreal Platform, PLUG Architecture won the Holcim Award Silver 2014- Latin America. Read more about the project on the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction page here.
Post sponsored by the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction
Novel project is innovative in one or more ways, say material use, passive design, community engagement, etc. Performance, here, might be discussed in quantitative or qualitative ways.
There are no performance metrics available for this project.
Architects
Román Jesús Cordero Tovar
Izbeth Katia Mendoza Fragoso
PLUG architecture
Collaborators
Daniel Rodriguez
Israel Dorantes
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